Sewing Seminar
We are thankful for an upcoming break with Christmas this week and going to visit Yolanda's father for a few days. However, even though the past couple weeks have been tiring, they have been fruitful, exciting, and fun.
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The sewing seminar was in mid-swing when we last wrote. Coming in, the ladies had zero sewing skills and they learned quite a bit in just a few days. They learned several different stitches and even though they weren't experienced enough to tackle the door snake, Yolanda guided them through the sewing of small purses with a button. They were very happy to walk away with something tangable. The ladies begged and begged Yolanda to have another sewing seminar. Yolanda said she was willing, but would need at least 10 of them to sign up. All 28 signed up, so needless to say, there will be another one in January.
This was meant to help meet a practical need, by teaching women a skill that they can not only use at home to mend clothes, but that they might also be able to use it at some point to help earn an income. It also turned out to meet emotional and spiritual needs as well. First of all, Yolanda opened the afternoon in prayer. Later on she heard two of the women speaking in Shona. One said that she didn't know that white people prayed, because she thought they didn't need it. She said that it makes her think that she needs to pray more. The other woman asked if she goes to church and she said no. So she offered to meet her by her home and walk to church with her sometime, and then they swapped numbers. Second, two other ladies were talking and one said how thankful she was for this opportunity to learn, but she wished that she had a job, even if that meant she would be unable to attend this week. The other lady said that her husband was out of work and they commiserated together. The second one asked if she could pray for them and so she did.
At the end, everybody thanked Yolanda for her time. One woman was especially grateful. She was so thankful to learn new skills and couldn't believe that a white person would take time three days in a row, all afternoon to teach them and even give extra help "to someone like her," as she was struggling to learn the stitches. She also couldn't believe that Yolanda would be willing to do it again next month, thanking her again and again. Below are the ladies with their newly made purses.
At the end, everybody thanked Yolanda for her time. One woman was especially grateful. She was so thankful to learn new skills and couldn't believe that a white person would take time three days in a row, all afternoon to teach them and even give extra help "to someone like her," as she was struggling to learn the stitches. She also couldn't believe that Yolanda would be willing to do it again next month, thanking her again and again. Below are the ladies with their newly made purses.
Christmas Lunch
Last Saturday's lunch put on by our Shona teacher was a success again this year. Several women began cooking the meal at 5:00am. By mid-morning they were finished and took all the food to the location. 150 people arrived for the event, including a group of children from an orphange (who are on their own to cook during the weekends, as the staff doesn't work then). First, there was a church service, which included nearly an hour of singing, followed by an hour plus sermon, delivered by her pastor. Then there was more singing. Finally, there was lunch, which we helped serve. This would be the only meal of the day for those who attended, since they don't have the means. She wanted to make sure to meet a physical need for a day, but also wanted to make sure they heard from God's Word first. The meal included sadza (the staple diet), rice, potatoes, beef stew and cole slaw. She provided almost all of the food, but others provided what they could. Yolanda and I were thankful to be a small part of it this year in person, as JM2Z was the catalyst for it, although it was our Shona teacher's own idea and decision to initiate.
Cooking the sadza and rice on the fire
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Serving lunch in individual containers
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The children from the orphanage sang a song for everyone
Vacation Bible School
What a wonderful week we had! This past week was filled with much activity and little sleep, but it was so worth it. We weren't sure how many children there would be. On the first day, there were about 50, but we averaged 75 for the week, with over 80 on one day. People talk, and so after people heard how the first day went, new ones came on the subsequent days. The facilities were a blessing and worked out really well, having all of the space we needed. We started the afternoon with worship time and singing. This was the first time we used our projector and were thankful for it. Then, everyone had a snack and drink. It was at this time they recited their memory verses from the previous day. After this, they broke up into their 4 age groups and had their Bible lesson, craft, and games. Some had heard of the Bible characters (Noah, Moses, Abraham, Samson, and David), but many hadn't. They were very attentive in hearing the stories and learning of their faithfulness to God.
The first day, I was thrown off when only 1 out of 20, 6-7 year olds knew English and I had to get Elizabeth to translate for me (I was going to have another adult translate, but she said she couldn't understand me, even though she speaks perfect English). Yolanda worked very hard creating lessons and crafts, usually until 2, 3, or 4AM. I went out to make copies each morning and round up snacks or odds and ends that we needed. We did plan ahead, getting some things in South Africa and planning weeks ago, but with the sewing seminar and it being our first time, some things took longer to set up than we thought. The blueprint for the week was great and can be done in a fresh way, with a new theme next year. JM2Z's Toyota Hilux came in very handy transporting the children, as they all lived several miles away in the high density area. Until this week, we didn't know we could fit so many in the back :-) Everyone piled in and were very excited to do so. The children were enthusistic, cooperative, engaged, and couldn't wait to come back each day.
On the last day, we invited parents/guardians to join us for a ceremony. The children performed their 2 favorite songs for everyone. Then, they all received a certificate for coming for the week (which was a big deal to them) and each received a back to school pack (which had been donated a couple years ago by a high school student). They included school supplies they would need for the upcoming school year, starting in January; pencils, pens, eraser, pencil sharpener, ruler, pencil case, crayons for the younger ones and a mathematical set for the older ones, as well as some paper, plastic and tape that they use, in order to cover their books. All in all, it was a productive week. We are certainly grateful for our 4 volunteers and the ability to use the facilities. Below is a video to give you a better idea of how it went.
The first day, I was thrown off when only 1 out of 20, 6-7 year olds knew English and I had to get Elizabeth to translate for me (I was going to have another adult translate, but she said she couldn't understand me, even though she speaks perfect English). Yolanda worked very hard creating lessons and crafts, usually until 2, 3, or 4AM. I went out to make copies each morning and round up snacks or odds and ends that we needed. We did plan ahead, getting some things in South Africa and planning weeks ago, but with the sewing seminar and it being our first time, some things took longer to set up than we thought. The blueprint for the week was great and can be done in a fresh way, with a new theme next year. JM2Z's Toyota Hilux came in very handy transporting the children, as they all lived several miles away in the high density area. Until this week, we didn't know we could fit so many in the back :-) Everyone piled in and were very excited to do so. The children were enthusistic, cooperative, engaged, and couldn't wait to come back each day.
On the last day, we invited parents/guardians to join us for a ceremony. The children performed their 2 favorite songs for everyone. Then, they all received a certificate for coming for the week (which was a big deal to them) and each received a back to school pack (which had been donated a couple years ago by a high school student). They included school supplies they would need for the upcoming school year, starting in January; pencils, pens, eraser, pencil sharpener, ruler, pencil case, crayons for the younger ones and a mathematical set for the older ones, as well as some paper, plastic and tape that they use, in order to cover their books. All in all, it was a productive week. We are certainly grateful for our 4 volunteers and the ability to use the facilities. Below is a video to give you a better idea of how it went.
We pray that each of you has a blessed Christmas with family and friends. We are so thankful for all that has happened this year in the life of JM2Z and for the partnership you have had in it. Without you, reaching these women and children for Christ's Kingdom would not be possible. Thank you for your interest in helping to spread God's love in the area of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe and change hearts for eternity.
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